While we mostly love getting to travel for the holiday season, reuniting with loved ones or taking a much needed vacation, we also recognize it can be an expensive time to travel. In fact, according to Bankrate, a one-week vacation in the U.S. for two people costs an average of $3,982.
While waiting until shoulder season can be a great way to save hundreds of dollars on travel, its not an option for most of us who want to open gifts under the tree with our siblings or ring in the new year with our special someone.
If that’s you, here are a few ways to save on travel this holiday season.
Plan Ahead
Sorry my fellow procrastinators, waiting is not the name of the game when it comes to saving on travel. While you can occasionally find a last minute deal on travel, this just isn’t historically the case with the holiday season. Use a tool like Google Flights to track your travel dates early, and book when rates are at their lowest.
Leverage rewards
If you have rewards just waiting to be used, now may be the time. Some programs may have blackout dates, but not all. This can be a great way to travel at a discount or for mostly free. And if you don’t have a travel card but have been meaning to get one, check out sign up bonuses. They may not help right now, but several bonuses offer tens of thousands of points if you spend enough during the promo period. These could be perfect to use on your next trip.
Consider alternate travel methods
While the ease and convenience of flying is sometimes worth the extra expense, its not always. If your destination is within a reasonable driving distance, consider biting the bullet and renting a car and driving instead. Or catch the bus or train. This can be an especially large savings if you’re traveling with a larger family where you’d need tickets for multiple adults and children.
Think through lodging
If staying with friends and family just isn’t an option for you and you’ll need to pay for accommodations, be sure to shop around. Generally home sharing services like AirBnb and VRBO tend to be a more economical option if you’re traveling with a large group, while hotels can be a better option if you’re solo.
Pack efficiently
It seems silly and small, but bringing snacks for yourself and the kids can save you a ton at the airport. Bring your refillable water bottles and pack plenty of non-perishable snacks. Buying a bottle of water and bag of chips at the airport can easily run you twelve or thirteen bucks. Same with packing your clothes- fitting everything into a carry-on size suitcase and a backpack can save you on having to check a big. Having holiday gifts delivered to the destination can help avoid needing to lug these with you.
Are you traveling this holiday season?
Sour
